We’ll be thinking of ourselves, not who to vote, say flood victims

 

One of the houses in Kampung Batu 26 Matang Kunda Tengah, Bagan Datuk, Perak, that has been inundated with flood waters for the past three days.

BAGAN DATUK: Villagers hit by floods here have said they will not be casting their ballots on polling day, with one victim noting that aspiring representatives were nowhere to be seen.

Finas Muhammad said villagers in Jalan Rungkup Simpang Tiga Selekoh were more concerned with the rising water levels than who should be their representative.

Finas Muhammad

“It is better to think of ways to save ourselves and our belongings,” the 28-year-old, whose house had been inundated with flood waters for the past three days due to the continuous rain, told FMT.

For Jamil Abdullah, the candidates should focus on helping flood victims instead of fishing for votes.

“But to date, no help has arrived and we, the small farmers, need help.”

Jamil Abdullah.

Tutik Senan, 56, of Kampung Batu 26 Matang Kunda Tengah, said that she and her husband were now living off their savings and the food she had at home, until flood waters recede.

The flood also meant that her husband could not go out to work, she said.

“So, in such times where it is difficult to leave the village, I could not be bothered to go out to vote.”

Another resident from the same village, Syikin Jamalaudin, 31, said while she was eager to vote, the nationwide polls held amid the floods had put a damper on things.

“It’s their loss when voters don’t come out because of the floods.” - FMT